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| It's been quite a wild ride. |
I wrote this little post for The Mom Pledge's "Dear Mom" project. I felt pretty good about it, too. Like I'd written something that might actually reach out and connect with somebody.
And then the Huffington Post came a-callin'. And they republished that letter, and it actually did reach out and connect with somebody.
There is nothing quite like the thrill of an aspiring writer when they see their name on a real platform. My jaw dropped time after time, reading comments, getting texts from friends with updated share counts, getting alerts as people tweeted and talked about this thing I'd written.
My mom and dad and aunts and uncles, shooting around the screenshot of my kids on the front page of HuffPo Parents...
It was awesome for me, but the best part was how great other people said it was for them.
Strangers from the internet have tracked down my email address, sent me personal friend requests on Facebook, become subscribers to this blog... they reached back.
And I am so astounded by what has happened out there. The more people who read it, the more positivity I see. I haven't seen a lot of trolling, a lot of complains. As with everything you put out into the world, you worry what people will make of it. If they'll have nothing but criticism, if they'll have words of support.
It's been all goodness, all kindness. Moms telling me that they're crying at work, or laughing, or passing it along to their moms.
It warms my heart.
So thank you, all of you, for reading and for caring and for sharing. Thank you for heading over here and finding out what I'm all about. Thanks for all of the incredibly kind words.
Thank you so much. <3 p="">
Giant hugs all around <3
ReplyDeleteI subscribed! Mostly because I love how your picture reminded me of my own living space. It nice to see other cluttered homes with kids.
ReplyDeleteLoved you on Huffpo and followed you here. Kinda bummed I can't say "I knew you when..." :) your blog looks like it will become a favorite read of Mine.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the Dear Mom. It came on the heels, for me, of having seen some facebook super mom posts and judgement. Your article was a breath of fresh air!
Your blog is great! My mom actually shared on Facebook your post from Huffpo and I knew I needed to find your actual blog. Your writing is real and great and you're able to say things like they are. I'm not a mom yet, but I still totally appreciate the words you have to say! Thanks for brightening up my day!
ReplyDeleteThat's great news! I have been reading your blog a long time, and I really enjoy it. I'm so glad you're getting the recognition you DESERVE! I occasionally share your posts, because some of them are SO very good! But I shared your "Dear Mom" post with my Facebook friends and saw it be reshared... and reshared. And I was glad because I think it's REALISTIC. It's honest. You say all the things mothers feel with unflinching honesty. And that IS refreshing!
ReplyDeleteI know what I read it, I felt a twinge in my chest... the connection with the worst - and best parts of my mothering abilities. You perfectly captured the guilt and inadequacy I often feel, while reminding me of what I do right - and how much I DO for my kids everyday. It's like you opened my heart and wrote about all you saw there... the bad, the good, the scary, the hopeful.
Reading that letter touched my heart. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing that piece. It is one of the best things I've read in a really long time.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for writing that piece. I've felt compelled to share it with every mother I know. It's so beautiful, touching...true.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to know you had a positive experience. I've had a number of friends get published at the Huffington Post recently and they were torn apart. It was a very negative experience for them. The trolls are bad on that site.
ReplyDeleteYour post was amazing. I had been looking forward to your participation in the Dear Mom meme, and you did not disappoint! I think your writing is always brilliant, and I'm so happy to see you recognized for that. Way to go!